Pakistan Defense Minister: Islamabad-Kabul Talks Reach Deadlock
According to the English section of webangah news Agency, citing Mehr News Agency, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Geo News that the Istanbul negotiations following border clashes with Afghanistan have been paused as they produced uncertain results.
the defense minister stated that the third round of talks, which began yesterday with Kabul, yielded no results. he described the situation as a complete deadlock, adding that negotiations have entered an uncertain phase.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed gratitude to Turkey and Qatar for their “sincere efforts” in reducing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. He noted that both countries supported Pakistan’s position. Even the Afghan delegation agreed but was unwilling to sign a formal agreement.
He emphasized that Pakistan only accepts official written agreements, explaining that while the other side sought oral guarantees, such assurances are unacceptable in international negotiations.
Referring to Turkey’s and Qatar’s full-scale efforts in this process, asif said if there had been any optimism remaining, they would have urged Pakistan to stay at the negotiating table.Returning without achievements indicates even these mediators have lost hope in Kabul.
asif underlined Pakistan’s firm and clear stance on this tension: Islamabad’s sole demand is assurance that Afghan territory will not be used for attacks against Pakistan.
The defense minister also warned Pakistan would respond to any opposed actions but stressed a ceasefire would hold as long as no attacks occur.
